Hey friends!
The holiday season is here, and I have a festive treat for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my candied pecan Christmas salad.
This colorful mix of apples, cranberries, and crunchy pecans is not only delicious but also perfect for any holiday table.
It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing.
Let’s dive into this cheerful recipe that will brighten up your celebrations!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Baby spinach can be replaced with arugula or mixed salad greens for a different flavor profile and texture. These alternatives offer similar nutritional benefits and are widely available. Adjust the quantity slightly based on personal preference and the bulk of the chosen greens.
Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for those with pecan allergies or preferences. These nuts provide similar crunch and healthy fats. If using raw nuts instead of candied, consider adding a touch more honey to the dressing for balanced sweetness.
Feta cheese can be swapped with goat cheese for a creamier texture or dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegans. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor while boosting B-vitamin content. Adjust the amount based on the strength of the chosen alternative to maintain flavor balance in the salad.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans (candied or toasted for extra flavor)
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 red apple (thinly sliced or diced for even distribution)
For the dressing:
- 1 tbsp honey
- black pepper (freshly ground for aroma)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin for best flavor)
- salt
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Gather all your salad ingredients and place them into a large mixing bowl.
Ensure the ingredients are washed, chopped, or sliced as desired to make them easy to toss and eat.
This foundational step preps everything for combining with the dressing.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, and honey.
Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until well-blended.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
This simple dressing ties the salad together with a balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 3: Dress and Serve the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
Gently toss the salad to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Once the salad is well-mixed and dressed, serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
